Pikachu

Description

Released in 2000, the Pokémon Base Set 2 Pikachu card (number 87) remains a foundational piece for collectors of the original trading card game era. As a Basic Pokémon card belonging to the Lightning type, it features a Health Point (HP) value of 40 and a Retreat Cost of 1, reflecting its role in early gameplay mechanics. The card includes two primary attacks: Colorless Gnaw, which deals 10 damage, and Thunder Jolt, which deals 30 damage but requires a coin flip that can inflict 10 damage to Pikachu if the result is tails. This risk-reward mechanic highlights the strategic depth present in the early years of the franchise. For enthusiasts of Pokémon collectibles, this card represents a specific moment in the series' history, capturing the essence of the original roster. The artwork is credited to Mitsuhiro Arita, whose illustrations helped define the visual identity of the franchise during this period. Collectors often seek out cards from the Base Set 2 series to complete their sets or to appreciate the design language of the turn of the millennium.